WWE Fastlane 2017 Preview

KICKOFF MATCH: RICH SWANN & AKIRA TOZAWA VS. THE BRIAN KENDRICK & NOAM DAR

The main point of this match is to continue the Tozawa vs. Kendrick feud. With Kendrick getting the best of Tozawa at every turn so far, you have to expect Tozawa to get some revenge here. I say Tozawa & Swann win this match (Tozawa pins Dar) and the Kendrick/Tozawa feud continues. BAYLESS’ PICK: RICH SWANN & AKIRA TOZAWA

SASHA BANKS VS. NIA JAX

This match was made official this past Monday on RAW when Stephanie McMahon walked by Sasha, who was telling Bayley she would have her back in her title match, and said she was going to give Sasha other plans for the night. Since losing the title, Sasha has been on a cold streak. With Nia dominating in the women’s tag match this past Monday on RAW, I think they continue to build her up as a major threat. Sasha really needs a win in a major way but if they are in fact going to turn her heel, she can afford to pick up some losses and I think a heel turn is needed. They could have Sasha go over and Nia destroys her post-match to get her heat back but I think Nia gets the win clean. BAYLESS’ PICK: NIA JAX

WWE RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: LUKE GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON (C) VS. ENZO AMORE & BIG CASS

This match was made official two weeks ago when Enzo & Cass defeated Cesaro & Sheamus in a #1 contender’s match. Enzo & Cass still have a beef with Cesaro & Sheamus, who blamed the duo for costing them a Tag Title match about one month ago. I see Cesaro & Sheamus, who are not on the show, coming out and getting some revenge on Enzo & Cass, leading to a triple-threat match at WrestleMania. I think WrestleMania is when the belts switch hands and Enzo & Cass become victorious but not on this show. BAYLESS’ PICK: LUKE GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON

WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: JACK GALLAGHER VS. NEVILLE (C)

Jack Gallagher became the #1 contender three weeks ago on “205 Live” when he won a Fatal Five-Way match. The Neville/Gallagher feud has been by far and away the best of the new Cruiserweight Division. Neville’s heel turn has been a revelation and him upset over Gallagher being a caricature of British culture has been good. Gallagher has shown the ability to throw down when needed and I expect a good match between the two. As far as who wins, I think Neville cheats to retain and this feud continues as his title reign still has plenty of juice left. BAYLESS’ PICK: NEVILLE

SAMI ZAYN VS. SAMOA JOE

This match was also made official this past Monday night on RAW. Joe has made an impact since showing up on RAW. He’s scored wins over Roman Reigns and Cesaro already while putting the rest of the locker room on notice. With Zayn as the underdog and Joe making his first PPV appearance, Joe has to go over here to be kept strong as a major threat. BAYLESS’ PICK: SAMOA JOE

WWE RAW WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: CHARLOTTE FLAIR VS. BAYLEY (C)

Bayley has three wins already over Charlotte, who also has a PPV undefeated streak on the line. Charlotte’s PPV streak has been pushed heavily on WWE TV for months. Even though Bayley just won the title recently and they just finished a lenghty feud that saw Charlotte win back the belt in PPV matches, I see Charlotte winning yet another PPV match here. I cannot go against Charlotte on a PPV at this point. BAYLESS’ PICK: CHARLOTTE FLAIR

ROMAN REIGNS VS. BRAUN STROWMAN

This is a highly anticipated match. Strowman cost Reigns the Universal Title at the Royal Rumble and attacked him last week in their contract signing. Strowman has tons of momentum right now and is someone who should not be losing anytime soon. Reigns is the guy the company loves but if he is scheduled for a big match at WrestleMania, he can afford to lose here. Strowman needs this win more than Reigns and if they do not end up doing a DQ finish, Strowman will get the win. There is some speculation the Undertaker could appear and set up his rumored WrestleMania match with Reigns but I don’t think that will happen until the next episode of RAW. BAYLESS’ PICK: BRAUN STROWMAN

WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: GOLDBERG VS. KEVIN OWENS (C)

I see this match going two ways: Either Jericho interferes and messes with Owens or Goldberg wins clean. Jericho could interfere and have Owens retain so he can get a title shot himself. At this point, I’m thinking Goldberg wins clean as Jericho can come back and get revenge at any time. I think Goldberg holds the title until WrestleMania where he puts it on the line against Brock Lesnar. BAYLESS’ PICK: GOLDBERG